Designing Your Commercial Building for Wind Resistance: Expert Tips

The construction of a commercial building can be a costly, time-consuming and overwhelming process. You must consider several factors to get the best outcome. From choosing the right design, materials, contractors and etc., to getting the required approvals and financing, a lot goes into ensuring your project is a success. Besides building a structure that works ideally for its intended purpose, it's crucial to ensure that your commercial building is best suited for its environment. That is why custom designing your commercial building for its surrounding is of utmost importance. For instance, if your property is in a windy region, you must go for a design that allows your building to withstand the strong winds. With that in mind, here are some quick tips on how to do that.

Understand Your Wind Map

Knowing your wind map is the first step to designing the ideal wind-resistant commercial building. By knowing your wind map, you will tell your exposure rating for that region, which varies depending on your location. Exposure ratings indicate the wind's threat level in your area and are often classified from low to high. Generally, you are likely to be in a low exposure rating area if your property is in an urban region with many buildings sitting close to each other or in a heavily wooded area. Such structures act as windbreakers and reduce the threat level of wind. On the other hand, your exposure rating will be high if you build in vastly open flat land that lacks any obstructions like hills, trees or buildings. Work with your contractor to determine the correct wind map for your region.

Wall Design

The walls play a crucial role when it comes to wind resistance. Masonry walls are some of the most common types of walls for commercial buildings. Therefore, if you are going for masonry walls, consider reinforced masonry. Steel is a perfect solution to reinforced masonry, and you can use it to support your walls horizontally and vertically by encasing it in the concrete. If you consider a design with large glasses, your building may be more susceptible to damage, especially from flying objects. Therefore, invest in toughened glass.

Framing Design

For the perfect wind-resistant framing, go for steel. The material is one of the strongest you will find and performs well against impact. Also, consider a rigid framing design for enhanced resistance.

Parking Space Design

Parking spaces can easily be overlooked when it comes to designing a building to withstand wind. However, it's imperative to consider your fleet and other vehicles that may be vulnerable to damage during a windstorm. Therefore, indoor parking design is an invaluable design to consider for your building.

To learn more, contact a customer commercial builder.

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